Puri

Puri is located on the eastern side of India in the province of Orissa. Lying on the coastal strip in the Puri district, the destination is 60 kilometre from the city of Bhubaneswar. This coastal city lies on the golden triangle of Orissa, connecting with Konark and Bhubaneswar.

The city of Puri is known for its historic immemorial, sanctorum, architectural magnificence, balanced climate and divine significance. Counted among the most sacred pilgrim centres for Hindus in India, the destination is a seat of Lord of Universe, Jagannath, as per testimony of Skanda Purana. Honoured with the famous Jagannath shrine, the spiritual city is also known as Jagannath Puri. Positioned along the coast of Bay of Bengal, the city is one of the frequented tourist destinations in India.

All the cities of the triangular axis have well-known pilgrimage venues, exotic landscapes, beaches, historical sites that attract travellers throughout the year. Besides, the destination is a repository of art and architecture of India with testaments dating back to 3rd century B.C. This ancient town has ruins and testaments belonging to the period from 3rd century B.C. to 17th century A.D.

The spiritual city attracts devotees along with tourists from around the world for witnessing attractions like Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank, Atharnala Bridge and Sudarshan Crafts Museum. The city also has the famous Sun Temple of Konark.

One of the major highlights of the city is Rath Yatra (Car or Chariot festival), which is hosted every year in the city. Puri Rath Yatra 2012 starts on 21st June at Jaganath Temple, Puri, Orissa. The festival marks the journey of Krishna known as Jaganath in this region, from Gokul to Mathura. Three huge chariots carrying the idols of Jaganath, his brother Balbadra, and his sister Subhadra are pulled along the streets from the Jaganath temple to the temple of Gundicha Mandir. On the ninth day, Rath Yatra is repeated in the opposite direction. Pilgrims and tourists throng to the destination to cherish the international event besides an annual Puri Beach Festival held in the month of November. 

The coastal city gained fame after Chodaganga Deva who built the temple of Purusottama Jagannath after winning a war. Over the years, association with Lord Rama, influenced renaming of city to Purusottama Kshetra, also known as Purusottama Puri, which exists as Puri at present.

Among well-known attractions in and around, Puri features Chilka Lake, a large inland salt-water lake, Puri Beach, Gundicha Ghar and the Childlike Wildlife Sanctuary. Over the years, the coastal city has emerged as an industrial centre with major industries like rice milling, handicrafts and fish curing.

The pleasant weather of the coastal city all round the year makes it an ideal destination for the travellers. With mild summers and cool winters, October to March is considered the best time to visit Puri.